Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei held a press conference on October 10, 2012

Q: Japanese media reported that the Japanese government is studying plans to improve bilateral relations by acknowledging China's sovereignty claim to the Diaoyu Islands with the 1972 Japan-China Joint Statement in mind. What is China's comment?

A: China's position on the Diaoyu Islands issue is clear and consistent. It is important for Japan to face up to the reality, acknowledge the dispute, correct mistakes and come back to the track of a negotiated settlement of the dispute.

Q: Governor of the People's Bank of China and the Finance Minister will not attend this week's IMF Annual Conference in Tokyo. Please tell us why.

A: Please consult the competent authority.

Q: German Foreign Minister Westerwelle will pay a visit to China from October 11 to 13. Please brief us on his visit and the current China-Germany relations.

A: At the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, German Foreign Minister Westerwelle will be in China for the third round of China-Germany Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue from October 11 to 13.

China-Germany relations have been in good shape with close high-level interactions and communication. Premier Wen Jiabao went to Germany last April to attend the opening ceremony of the Hannover Messe as well as partner country China activities, which pushed forward bilateral relations. Chancellor Merkel paid this year's second visit to China in August and attended the second round of China-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations. The two sides reached a lot of consensus in the political, economic and other important fields, highlighting the advancement of their strategic partnership facing the future.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of China-Germany diplomatic ties. Activities of the "Year of Chinese Culture" are being held in Germany. To develop closer China-Germany relations serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples. China stands ready to deepen political mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation across the board and push forward bilateral relations together with Germany. China believes that Foreign Minister Westerwelle's visit will further advance China-Germany strategic partnership facing the future.

Q: First, does the Chinese Foreign Ministry support Chinese officials' absence from the multilateral meeting being held in Japan? Second, it is reported that for the sake of national security, the Canadian government may exclude Huawai from business in Canada. What is China's comment?

A: On your first question, Japan's illegal "purchase" of the Diaoyu Islands grossly violates China's territorial sovereignty and incurs severe difficulties to China-Japan relations. Japan should bear full responsibility. What is pressing now is that Japan should face squarely the current grim situation of China-Japan relations, recognize the sovereignty dispute over the Diaoyu Islands, correct its mistakes of infringing upon China's sovereignty and come back to the track of a negotiated settlement of the Diaoyu Islands issue.

On the second question, Chinese telecommunications companies engage in international operations in accordance with principles of the market economy. Relevant overseas investment and cooperation are mutually beneficial in nature, which not only promote the development of economic relations and trade with relevant countries, but also play a constructive role in enhancing local infrastructure development.

China-Canada economic cooperation and trade enjoys sound momentum of development. We hope that both sides will continue to make efforts to push forward bilateral practical cooperation in fields such as trade and investment. It serves the common interests of both sides.

Q: On October 8, the Times of India accused a Chinese company of irregularities in its operation in Nepal and suspected it of bribing. How does China respond?

A: China noted relevant report. Chinese companies and enterprises have all along been engaged in investment and project contracting cooperation in Nepal in accordance with local laws and regulations. They play an important role in promoting Nepal's economic and social development as well as China-Nepal mutually beneficial cooperation. The Chinese government will continue to encourage strong and creditworthy Chinese companies to invest and do business in Nepal. The report by certain news agency is driven by ulterior motives. It is not worth refuting.

Q: Some country recently proposed to investigate the Chinese company Huawei. What is China's opinion on the unfair treatment faced by Chinese telecommunications enterprises? How will China respond?

A: Economic cooperation between China and relevant country enjoys rapid development at the moment, therefore, a sound and stable cooperation environment is needed. We hope that relevant country will carry on its mutually beneficial cooperation with China and take positive and constructive actions to deepen bilateral economic cooperation and trade. It serves the common interests of both sides.